The Propylene Oxide & Glycols Sector Group (PO & Glycols)
Who we are
Propylene oxide is used as a monomer in polymer production and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other substances.
Propylene oxide is used as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of the following:
- Polyols used in polyurethane foam manufacture for the furniture and automotive industries, and coatings, adhesives and sealants
- Propylene glycol ethers for use as solvents in paints, inks, coatings, resins, cleaners and waxes
- Propylene glycols, which can be used in:
- the production of unsaturated polyester resins, especially in the construction, transportation, automotive and marine industries
- as a solvent in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
- in engine coolants and aircraft de-icers
- Butanediol and related products for speciality resins and solvents.
The Group is chaired by Bernd Weissensel, BASF and includes the following companies: BASF, Bayer, Dow Europe, INEOS Oxide, Lyondell Chemicals, Repsol-YPF Quimica, Shell Chemicals.
What we do
As part of its ongoing remit, the PO & Glycols Sector Group is committed to:
- Guidelines for the distribution including storage, transport and handling of propylene oxide (EN / DE / ES / FR / IT) as well as pharmaceutical grade monopropylene glycol (USP/EP - EN / DE / ES / FR / IT) version 1.1 revised in May 2006.
- Toxicology studies for propylene oxide
- EU and international Risk Assessment activities.
Key priorities include
- Organising and funding toxicology projects in collaboration with the US Industry Panels (e.g. the US Propylene Oxide and Glycols Panel)
- Co-ordinating industry's views on health and safety issues, especially those related to the EU and international risk assessment activities
- Ensure the safe distribution and handling of Propylene Oxide and Propylene Glycol USP/EP.
Want to know more?
Check out the library. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
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